Extension’s 2030 strategic plan
University of Minnesota Extension’s mission is to address critical public issues through teaching, research, and education, as part of the University’s land-grant mission. Extension is dedicated to the advancement of learning; to sharing knowledge through education for diverse communities; and to the application of knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation and the world.
The high-level priorities listed here were developed collaboratively by Extension faculty, educators and staff and are intended to be a starting point for individual faculty/staff, programs, and departments to create specific tactics and strategies that best meet the needs of their partners and stakeholders.
The University of Minnesota Extension Mission
University of Minnesota Extension was established in 1909 and helps the University fulfill its land-grant mission of addressing critical public issues through teaching, research and outreach.
Through its federal, state and county authorization and funding, Extension helps the University extend scientific knowledge and expertise to the public in key areas, including food and agriculture, communities, environment, youth, and families.
Innovating for a changing Minnesota
Minnesota’s communities, economies, and environment are changing rapidly. To remain relevant and impactful, Extension’s programming, processes, and technology must adapt to serve all Minnesotans, deliver the highest impact possible, and provide an experience for Extension participants, volunteers, funders, and partners that is second to none.
Goal:
Build and maintain high-quality systems to engage with the people and communities of today’s Minnesota while remaining agile in responding to changing needs.
Priorities:
- Encourage, recognize, and reward quality innovation.
- Provide employees with data, technology, strategies, and guidance to develop, scale, and sunset programming.
- Create an engaging and transparent platform to standardize organizational data management.
Strengthening Extension’s workforce
Extension’s highest priority is its people. Recruiting, retaining, and developing a thriving workforce ensures organizational success, but new strategies are needed to keep up as employees’ needs and preferences evolve.
Goal:
A stable, effective, and representative workforce that reflects the communities we serve and advances Extension’s and the University’s mission.
Priorities:
- Expect and support continuous professional growth.
- Embed an inclusive culture across Extension.
Cultivating meaningful partnerships
Extension partners with communities across Minnesota to understand and address community needs and establish deep trust between the University and the state we serve. Together, Extension and communities leverage the unique strengths and resources of the University. Within Extension, partnerships should also promote interdisciplinary solutions to the challenges Minnesota faces.
Goal:
Our goal is to be a trusted partner across Minnesota by strengthening connections and co-creating solutions with communities.
Priorities:
- Strengthen and diversify high-quality partnerships that are responsive to community needs, promote interdisciplinary solutions, establish community trust, and allow for the scaling up of Extension’s work.
- Foster effective collaborations across Extension.
- Partner with community members who have lived experience and shared passions.
Building recognition and trust in Extension’s public value
Extension programs are a front door to the University of Minnesota across every county in the state. However, many program participants do not open that door or even recognize it.
Goal:
Our goal is consistent trust and appreciation for Extension through informed and engaging communications with stakeholders.
Priorities:
- Clearly articulate and share our public value.
- Encourage all employees to proudly share Extension as a brand that inspires trust.
Reviewed in 2026